Main opposition CHP confirms discussions on Muharrem Ince’s potential return

Political circles in Türkiye are abuzz with speculation over the potential return of Memleket (Homeland) Party leader Muharrem Ince to the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), where he previously served as a long-time member of Parliament and their 2018 presidential candidate.

Senior CHP officials confirmed ongoing discussions with Ince, with a decision on his potential return expected in the coming days.

‘The door is not closed’: CHP officials

Speaking to BBC Turkish, CHP insiders acknowledged that talks between CHP leader Ozgur Ozel and Muharrem Ince are underway.

“A process of dialogue and diplomacy is ongoing. There might not be any developments this week, but concrete steps could be taken in the near future. The door is not closed to Ince,” said a senior CHP official.

CHP spokesperson Deniz Yucel addressed the issue at a press briefing, noting Ince’s past contributions to the party. “He has always been able to communicate with our party leaders. If there are any developments, our chairman, Ozgur Ozel, will make an announcement,” Yucel said.

Party integration and strategic considerations

CHP officials noted that if Ince chooses to return, he may dissolve the Homeland Party and integrate its cadres into CHP, similar to the previous example of Mustafa Sarigul.

They also emphasized that most of Ince’s team already has ties to CHP, suggesting a smoother transition if an agreement is reached.

Ince’s background: From CHP to Homeland Party

Muharrem Ince, who served as CHP’s parliamentary group deputy chair for many years, launched his “1000 Days of the Homeland Movement” in 2020 after criticizing the party leadership under Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the former CHP leader.

Ince left CHP in February 2021, accusing it of becoming a “signboard party,” and subsequently established the Homeland Party.

Ince ran as his party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election but withdrew three days before the vote, citing a smear campaign targeting him. At the time, Ince claimed the allegations were orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and PKK and suggested the move was necessary to prevent blame being placed on him for a potential election loss by the opposition.

The potential return of Ince is part of broader political shifts, with three independent MPs expected to join CHP in the coming days.

Cemal Enginyurt and Salih Uzun, former members of the Democratic Party, are reportedly preparing to join CHP, along with former Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA) Party MP Burak Dalgin.